Villagers in Fear as Fox Attacks Continue in Bilaspur and Mungeli; Over 12 Injured, Forest Department Assistance Lacking

Raipur
People in Chhattisgarh’s Bilaspur and Mungeli districts are living in fear due to a series of fox attacks. A group of foxes that attacked more than 12 people in Mungeli has now moved to the forests of Ratanpur. In Kuwanjati village, located within the forest range, four people have been attacked.

On Wednesday, a fox first attacked a villager, and upon hearing his cries, three others who came to rescue him were also attacked and injured.

Previously, residents of five villages in Lormi Tehsil have been living in fear for the past six days. On Friday and Saturday (September 20-21), a pack of foxes attacked people, injuring around eight individuals. Since then, more than 12 people have been affected by these attacks.

In the Ratanpur forest, four villagers were attacked by foxes and treated at the community health center.

Alarmingly, as evening falls, the pack of foxes is entering residential areas, even making their way into people’s homes. Villagers are now patrolling the area with sticks in hand. They complain that they are not receiving any assistance from the Forest Department.

In Darwaza village, an elderly woman was injured in a fox attack. The camera captured the fox pack running at night.
There is a residential settlement near the west warehouse of the Rajiv Gandhi Reservoir. Just 100 meters away, animal noises were heard in the darkness. Accompanied by villagers, the team reached the spot and saw 5-6 foxes. As soon as the vehicle’s lights fell on them, the foxes started running away.

Villagers are now taking matters into their own hands for protection. In the evenings, young men in the village roam in groups, armed with sticks. Despite the Forest Department’s barrier being just 200 meters away in Kariadongri village within the Khudia forest range, villagers claim they have received no security or assistance.

Residents also allege that no one from the Forest Department has come to check on the situation, and no steps have been taken to drive away the foxes. In Darwaza village, 82-year-old Meghiya Patel was attacked by a fox on her left hand. “I had just finished eating and stepped outside when it happened,” she said.